It examines and studies many different fields. Virtue, morality, immortality, death, and the difference between the soul and the body are just a few of the many different topics that can be covered under the huge umbrella of philosophy. Among the most revered philosophers of all time was Socrates. Socrates was among the first philosophers who wasn't a sophist, meaning that he never felt that he was wise because he was always in pursuit of knowledge. Unfortunately, Socrates was put to death late in his life. Since Socrates did not publish any of his works, what we know about him comes from his pupils, Plato and Xenophon. Socrates is considered by many to be the greatest Greek philosopher because of his profound affect on Western philosophy.
Socrates was born in 469BC in Athens to Sophroniscus, a sculptor, and Phaenarete, a midwife. He received the regular elementary education in literature, music, and gymnastics. Later in his life, he began to study the rhetoric and dialectics of the Sophists, the speculations of the Ionian philosophers, and the culture of Periclean Athens. At first, Socrates was a sculptor, like his father. He created the statue group of the three Graces, which stood at the entrance to the Acropolis until the 2nd century. In the Peloponnesian War, he served as an infantryman. He fought at the battles of Potidaea, Delium, and Amphipolis. Socrates liked to argue instead of write. Therefore, he spent a lot of time in the marketplace and other public places of Athens, trying to start arguments with whoever was willing. He was popular among the people despite his unattractiveness and shortness. He had a good sense of humor, which added to his fame.
Socrates obeyed the law of Athens but did not get involved with politics. He believed he had a divine calling saying he would serve his country best by learning philosophy and teaching what he learned to the people. He taught the Athenians to examine themselves, especially their souls.